Apple is still moving ahead with a major glass-focused redesign of the iPhone to mark the device’s 20th anniversary next year, Mark Gurman reports for Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the matter. This direct counters a recent Jefferies report that claimed the project had been canceled based on “supply-chain checks.”
The company plans to introduce the new look on its iPhone Pro models in 2027, Gurman reports. Those devices, known internally as V73 and V74, will feature glass on both the front and back that curves into the sides, sandwiching a thin metal band in the middle. The result is a significantly glassier aesthetic than current iPhones.
Apple’s design team had explored an even more ambitious concept that relied on still more glass in place of metal. That version was abandoned early in development after engineers ran into difficulties joining the glass panels and determined the design could not be manufactured reliably at high volumes.
The confirmation comes after Jefferies analyst Edison Lee reported, based on supply-chain checks, that Apple had scrapped the all-glass plans. Bloomberg News’ sources said the overall product roadmap has not changed, and the glass-centric overhaul for the anniversary Pro models remains intact.
The redesign would represent one of the most significant visual updates to the iPhone since the iPhone X, aligning with long-standing rumors of a near “slab of glass” design for the milestone year.
MacDailyNews Take: You know how America runs on Dunkin’? Jefferies runs on bullshit.
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A Washington, D.C., resident recently received a startling text message that claimed Apple Pay had already charged him $8,250, with a second identical charge set to go through automatically in only 35 minutes, Fox News’ CyberGuy Kurt Knutsson reports. The message, which appeared to come from “Apple Pay Account Services,” instructed him to call a toll-free number immediately, reference a case ID, and “verbally kill” the pending transaction—or risk losing the money forever.
The recipient, identified as Paul C., wisely paused instead of dialing. He forwarded the message for review rather than engaging. The text is a classic example of a high-pressure callback scam designed to create panic and push people into contacting criminals posing as support agents.
Key Red Flags in the Message
Several details immediately signal fraud:
• The text arrived from a +44 number (United Kingdom country code), yet directed a U.S. recipient to an unrelated 855 callback line.
• Dramatic, unprofessional language such as the account having “hemorrhaged” money, a “catastrophic fraud event,” a contactless limit “crushed” to $0, and the need to “verbally kill” a charge. Legitimate financial alerts use clear, straightforward wording.
• Vague and nonsensical merchant descriptions, including an “agricultural processing surplus in Stockton, CA” and a “payday lending chain in Modesto.”
• Internal contradictions: the message claimed the contactless limit was already blocked at $0 while simultaneously warning that another large contactless charge would auto-approve shortly.
• Every instruction funneled the recipient toward calling the provided number. It never suggested checking the Wallet app, the bank’s official app, or the phone number printed on the physical card.
The 35-minute countdown is intentional. It creates just enough urgency to discourage careful verification while still giving the target time to place the call.
How the Scam Typically Unfolds
The text is only the bait. Once someone calls, the person on the other end may claim to see the account activity, request personal details, card numbers, Apple Account information, or one-time verification codes. In some cases, scammers push victims to install remote-access software so they can view the screen or guide transactions. Other variations involve claims of an oversized refund that must be “returned,” or instructions to move money into a supposedly safe account.
Similar Apple Pay-themed texts have previously put victims at risk of losses in the five-figure range.
How to Verify a Suspicious Charge Safely
Never call a number that appears in an unexpected text. Instead:
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, select the relevant card, and review the Transactions tab.
Check the full history in your bank or card issuer’s official app.
If anything looks wrong, call the customer-service number printed on the back of your physical card.
Apple has noted that Wallet does not always show complete transaction history for every card, so the bank remains the most reliable source.
Reporting and Next Steps
If you receive a similar message:
• Take a screenshot that includes the sender details.
• Report it as spam/junk in the Messages app, then block and delete the conversation.
If you already called the number or shared information, hang up immediately. Contact your bank or card issuer through official channels to secure the account. Change any passwords that may have been compromised, enable or confirm two-factor authentication, and remove any remote-access software that was installed. Place credit freezes if sensitive personal data was shared.
Simple Habits That Reduce Risk
Slow down when any message imposes a tight deadline. Verify activity only through channels you already trust. Never read verification codes aloud or grant remote access to someone who contacts you first. Keep security software updated, limit the personal data available on people-search sites, and consider identity-monitoring tools if you have been targeted repeatedly.
MacDailyNews Take: This particular scam relies on fear and urgency rather than sophisticated technology. The best defense remains the same: pause, ignore the callback number, and check your accounts yourself through official apps or the number on your card.
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Apple is bracing for a sharp rise in the cost of building its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, with bill-of-materials (BOM) expenses for the 256 GB version projected to climb about 38% year-over-year, according to the latest smartphone industry research from TrendForce.
The primary driver is soaring memory prices due to RAMageddon. Memory’s share of total BOM cost for recent 256 GB iPhone Pro models has already jumped from roughly 10% a year ago to about 34% in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to exceed 40% in the first half of 2027. This marks a major shift: the application processor and display, long the biggest cost components, are being overtaken by memory.
TrendForce estimates the BOM cost of the 256 GB iPhone 18 Pro, due in the third quarter of 2026, will be approximately 38% higher than its 2025 predecessor. If memory prices keep rising, the increase could grow even larger in 2027.
Faced with these higher costs, Apple is expected to absorb part of the increase by accepting lower gross margins rather than fully passing the burden to consumers. The company may follow a strategy similar to recent MacBook launches, softening retail price hikes to protect shipment volumes and market share. Apple could also raise prices on older iPhone models at the same time as the new launch to help offset the memory-driven cost pressure.
The research notes that if even Apple, with its industry-leading profitability, feels this squeeze, Android smartphone makers will face even tighter margins. Many will need to pass on a larger share of the cost increases, leading to steeper retail price rises than those anticipated for the iPhone. Entry-level and mid-range devices, where margins are already thin, will be hit hardest. With memory prices having risen five- to sevenfold since early 2025, some brands may have little choice but to implement substantial price increases or discontinue lines that have fallen into negative gross margins.
As a result, TrendForce expects global smartphone production to remain under downward pressure from the second half of 2026 through 2027 as elevated memory costs continue to weigh on demand.
MacDailyNews Take: RAMageddon won’t last forever — new capacity should ease pressures eventually — but it’s exposing fundamental differences in business models. In a world of rising component costs, customer loyalty isn’t just nice-to-have marketing fluff. It’s a competitive superpower.
Apple isn’t totally immune, but its customers are, by far, the least likely to blink.
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Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is set to deliver a meaningful jump in battery capacity, according to a new leak reported by MacRumors
An alleged photo of a battery pack intended for the Chinese model of the iPhone 18 Pro Max lists a capacity of 5,391 mAh. That figure represents a nearly 12% increase over the 4,823 mAh battery found in the equivalent Chinese-market iPhone 17 Pro Max. The image, which shows a unit that includes a SIM card tray, was shared on the Korean platform Naver and is said to have originated on the Chinese social media site Weibo.
The same 5,391 mAh capacity previously appeared in a regulatory filing last month, lending additional weight to the claim.
For the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max — which lacks a physical SIM tray and therefore has more internal space — the leak points to an even higher capacity of 5,567 mAh. That would mark a nearly 10% year-over-year increase from the 5,088 mAh battery in the U.S. iPhone 17 Pro Max.
By contrast, the smaller iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to see significant battery gains. The U.S. model is reportedly set to use a 4,288 mAh battery, representing less than a 1% increase over the 4,252 mAh unit in the current iPhone 17 Pro. Earlier rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker than its Pro sibling may help explain the disparity in capacity increases.
Regional differences in battery size stem from Apple’s decision to retain physical SIM trays in certain markets while making U.S. (and some other) models eSIM-only. The extra space freed by removing the tray allows for slightly larger batteries in those configurations. Since the iPhone 17 generation, the list of eSIM-only markets has expanded beyond the United States to include Canada, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries and territories.
If the leaked figures prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max should offer noticeably improved battery life when it arrives later this year. As always with unconfirmed rumors, official confirmation will have to wait until Apple’s formal announcement.
MacDailyNews Take: Sold! (Oh, wait, we have to see what the foldable offers first!)
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Apple has published a (temporary, it turns out) guide showing eligible Mac users in mainland China how to connect Alibaba’s Qwen artificial intelligence service to Siri and the company’s Writing Tools feature.
The update, detailed in a Chinese-language support document, allows users who opt in to leverage Qwen — Alibaba’s family of generative AI models — for more detailed responses through Siri, including analysis of photos and documents. Writing Tools can also draw on the service to generate text or images based on user descriptions.
The feature is available on Macs running macOS 26.6 or later, subject to China-specific conditions. Users must activate the extension and sign in to a Qwen account. According to Apple’s guide, Alibaba is prohibited from using any materials processed through the integration to train or improve its models.
The Mac-focused arrangement comes as Apple seeks to strengthen its position in China’s competitive AI PC market. The company has been losing ground to domestic rivals such as Lenovo and Huawei, which have aggressively promoted locally developed AI capabilities. Mac shipments in mainland China fell 9% year-on-year in the first quarter to about 800,000 units, giving Apple a 9% share of the PC market, according to research firm Omdia. Lenovo held 31% and Huawei 16%.
By integrating Qwen, Apple gains a locally compliant way to deliver advanced document analysis, image handling, and content-creation tools while retaining control of the Mac interface. For Alibaba, the partnership expands Qwen’s reach beyond its own apps and cloud services.
Alibaba has previously stated that Qwen will power Apple Intelligence across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro devices in China. Apple’s now unpublished guide, however, currently covered only Macs. Alibaba this week also released Qwen3.8-Max, a 2.4-trillion-parameter model it describes as its most capable to date, though Apple’s documentation did not specify which Qwen version will be used in the Mac extension.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple briefly published a Chinese-language support guide on its website (around August 8, 2026) explaining how eligible Mac users in mainland China could connect Alibaba’s Qwen AI to Siri and Writing Tools. The document was titled something along the lines of “在Mac上配合Apple智能使用千问” (“Use Qwen with Apple Intelligence on Mac”).
It was removed within about a day (by August 9th). Multiple reports have confirmed the takedown. Apple customer service in China stated that the feature integrating Apple Intelligence with Qwen has not yet been officially launched in mainland China, and they had not received notice of such a release.
In a nutshell, with a support guide clearly ready to go, CCP-sanctioned AI is coming soon to Macs in China.
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Today, Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) unveiled the September schedule for “Friday Night Baseball,” the weekly doubleheader streaming every Friday on Apple TV throughout the 2026 regular season. Apple TV subscribers across 60 countries and regions can enjoy two marquee matchups each week with enhanced production quality, expert commentary, and no local broadcast restrictions.
For the first time, baseball fans can take in all the action of “Friday Night Baseball” live in Apple Immersive on Apple Vision Pro, leveraging 3D video recorded in 8K with a 180-degree field of view. On August 28, viewers with Vision Pro will experience the iconic Red Sox vs. Yankees rivalry from unique camera angles that place viewers right in the game, immersed in the drama of each at-bat, the celebrations in the dugout after a big hit, close plays at the outfield wall, and more.
The experience features bespoke commentary from Paul Severino (play-by-play), Xavier Scruggs (analyst), and Michelle Margaux (sideline reporter); dedicated replays; and an immersive graphics package that includes team lineups and stats floating in the viewer’s space. During breaks in the action, the broadcast remains live, immersing viewers in the stadium experience from all angles as ambisonic microphones capture sounds in Spatial Audio.
Apple Vision Pro users with an Apple TV subscription in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the U.S. can stream the games live directly through the Apple TV app. Full game replays, as well as a highlight package of the game’s key moments, will be available on demand in the Apple TV app for Vision Pro.
On September 4, the Cleveland Guardians look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they host the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. More intra-division matchups headline the schedule on September 11, as the first-place Milwaukee Brewers continue their run for a fourth consecutive division title against Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatís Jr. and the surging San Diego Padres push for a National League wild card berth against the San Francisco Giants.
On September 18, newly acquired Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arráez furthers his pursuit of a fourth career batting title while teaming up with two-time MVP Bryce Harper as they look to help the Phillies gear up for a postseason run against the New York Mets.
The “Friday Night Baseball” schedule concludes with one of baseball’s most storied rivalries taking center stage as four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants, with the Dodgers looking to clinch their fifth consecutive division title.
“Friday Night Baseball” games on Apple TV are called by broadcast teams Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst), and Heidi Watney (sideline reporter); and Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter). Game-by-game announcer assignments will be revealed weekly. The “Friday Night Baseball” pregame shows will be hosted by Siera Santos, former MLB All-Star Eric Hosmer, and insider Russell Dorsey.
Fans in the U.S. and Canada will also have the option to listen to home and away local radio broadcasts during “Friday Night Baseball” games.
The weekly “Friday Night Baseball” doubleheader on Apple TV is produced by MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning production team in partnership with Apple’s live sports production team, with the first game of each weekly doubleheader presented by Essilor.
Apple TV Pricing and Availability
Apple TV subscribers can watch “Friday Night Baseball” on the Apple TV app on iPhone; iPad; Apple TV 4K; Apple Vision Pro; Mac; popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others; Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices; Chromecast with Google TV; PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles; and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 (U.S.) per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers.2 For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.3 Find out how to watch Apple TV and see the full list of supported devices. “Friday Night Baseball” in Apple Immersive will be available live on Apple Vision Pro (M5) and Vision Pro (M2) for users with an active Apple TV subscription.
MacDailyNews Take: All three baseball fans who own Vision Pros are currently popping champagne, polishing their headsets, and getting their couches and cervical pillows ready!
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Apple has been testing memory chips from China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for use across product lines that include iPhones and MacBooks, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes as the company grapples with a severe memory-chip shortage intensified by surging demand from the artificial-intelligence boom.
The iPhone maker has held early talks with CXMT about potential supply of components, with the aim of incorporating them into some devices sold in China. Apple is seeking approval from the Trump administration to proceed with any business involving the Chinese chipmaker. Any such deal would be politically sensitive. Some U.S. policymakers worry that collaboration could give CXMT access to American intellectual property.
CXMT ranks as China’s largest chipmaker by market value. The testing reflects broader industry pressure: AI data-center demand has redirected substantial DRAM production capacity toward high-bandwidth memory used in AI accelerators, tightening supplies and driving up prices for the conventional memory chips needed in smartphones, PCs, and other consumer electronics.
Other device makers have already begun limited use of CXMT chips. Laptop producers HP and Acer have started incorporating the Chinese company’s memory into some devices sold outside the United States to ease shortages, the Journal reported.
Apple and CXMT did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report. The development builds on earlier indications that Apple has been exploring options with Chinese memory suppliers and lobbying U.S. officials for flexibility amid the supply constraints. CXMT has faced scrutiny in Washington, including designation on a Pentagon list of companies with alleged ties to the Chinese military, adding layers of regulatory and political complexity to any potential partnership.
MacDailyNews Take: The situation underscores the tension between immediate commercial needs (securing enough memory to maintain production volumes and manage costs) and longer-term national-security and technology-transfer concerns. It’s a tightrope walk for sure.
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The industrial design team has spent roughly the past year exploring a “broader rethink” of the product, evaluating multiple directions that could transform the smartwatch for a new era — potentially on a scale comparable to the iPhone’s shift from a traditional slab to foldable designs. Nothing has been finalized, and major changes are not expected in the near term.
Key concepts under consideration include:
• Screen-free devices: New wearables without displays, aimed at competing with popular fitness bands and trackers such as Whoop, Oura Rings, and Google’s Fitbit Air. These appeal to users seeking lighter, more discreet health and fitness monitoring without constant screen interactions.
• Varied screens and sizes: Different display types and sizes beyond the longstanding rounded-rectangle design that has defined every Apple Watch since 2015.
• Round displays: Circular displays have been explored, though Gurman indicates these are unlikely to reach the market.
• Expanded lineup tiers: Potential premium models positioned above the current Ultra and Hermès variants, alongside more affordable options that go beyond the existing SE model.
The motivation stems from slowing growth in Apple’s Wearables, Home and Accessories segment and intensifying competition in health-focused wearables. Industry trends favor simpler, screenless form factors that emphasize continuous tracking, AI coaching, and comfort over full smartwatch functionality. Internally, execs like Eddy Cue (involved in Health app efforts) have shown interest in devices like Whoop and Oura, aligning with broader pushes into AI-powered wellness.
This year’s models — expected to include the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, likely unveiled alongside new iPhones in September — will remain evolutionary. Anticipated updates include a new chip (the first significant performance refresh in several years), health and fitness enhancements (such as progress toward blood pressure monitoring), possible return of ceramic cases (absent for years and potentially available in 2026 or 2027), new colors, and band options. A full redesign is viewed as still a year or two away.
Apple has reportedly not committed to any specific path, and some ideas under evaluation may never ship. The exploration reflects an effort to reinvigorate the category as consumer preferences evolve and rivals innovate outside the traditional smartwatch mold. Details remain fluid, consistent with Apple’s typical multi-year development cycles for major product shifts.
The company continues preparing for its major September event focused primarily on new iPhones, with the Watch updates expected to play a supporting role this cycle.
MacDailyNews Take: Whoop’s success has not gone unnoticed by Cupertino. And, yes, Apple continually explores options – mundane to radical – in all of its products.
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CAD renders revealed in March show Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone design
Apple is intensifying preparations for its annual September product launch event while incoming CEO John Ternus assembles his leadership team and new details emerge about a discarded element of the company’s recently launched device-leasing program called “Apple Upgrade.”
The company is readying for what is described as its biggest event of the year, expected in the first half of September. Retail employees in the U.S. are participating in a lottery for roles supporting the in-person media gathering at Apple Park, including organizing lines, checking in guests, providing directions, greeting attendees, and assisting security. The event is widely anticipated to feature the latest iPhone models, including Pro variants and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, among other hardware.
At the same time, John Ternus is preparing to assume the CEO role on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who will become executive chairman. As part of early management moves, Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman reports, Ternus has brought back Laura Legros, a former vice president of hardware engineering who retired in 2022. Legros previously worked under Ternus and will return as a vice president reporting directly to him. In the new role, she is expected to work cross-functionally, helping coordinate product delivery, development schedules, and alignment across engineering teams — serving as a bridge between different parts of the organization. The hire marks a rare instance of Apple recalling a retired executive and reflects Ternus beginning to put his stamp on the leadership ranks ahead of the transition.
Separately, fresh details have emerged about a scrapped “white-glove” concept for Apple Upgrade, the leasing program that launched in late July and replaced the prior iPhone Upgrade Program and standard financing options. Apple had considered shipping replacement devices already preloaded with a customer’s data and settings restored from an iCloud backup, so the new hardware would arrive ready to use. The technical challenges were not the primary barrier. Instead, privacy and security concerns — along with the optics of the company accessing and restoring personal backups onto devices in its facilities — led the company to abandon the idea. The launched version of Apple Upgrade does not include any such pre-setup feature.
These developments underscore Apple’s focus on a high-stakes product cycle and organizational shifts as Ternus prepares to lead the company into its next phase.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re glad that Apple Upgrade feature was scrapped! Now, we hope for Ternus’ sake that there are enough people left at Apple who remember how the company ran under Steve Jobs so that the company can quickly get back into that mindset. Churning out iterations of Jobs era products for fifteen years fueled a lot of brain drain and Cook era sclerotic thinking at the company over the last decade and a half. Fingers crossed!
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Apple shares faced fresh pressure on Monday after Jefferies cut its rating on the tech giant to Underperform from Hold, citing worries about the company’s ability to sustain higher average selling prices for iPhones amid production setbacks and rising costs.
Analyst Edison Lee lowered the firm’s price target to $263.66 from $285.56, implying roughly 16% downside from recent levels. The move adds to a growing list of more cautious views on the world’s most valuable company.
Jefferies pointed to supply-chain checks indicating that Apple has canceled plans for a Twentieth anniversary all-glass iPhone model originally eyed for a September 2027 launch. The cancellation stemmed from poor production yields. The firm described the decision as “a major setback” to Apple’s efforts to introduce higher-priced devices at a time of soaring memory costs.
According to the note, Apple had intended to extend all-glass design features to future iPhone Pro and Pro Max models to further lift average selling prices and margins. With that path now in doubt, Jefferies reduced its estimated compound annual growth rate for iPhone ASPs between fiscal 2026 and 2031 and cut its fiscal 2028 and 2029 earnings-per-share estimates by about 2% and 3%, respectively.
Lee also flagged recent increases in trade-in values for iPhones in the U.S. and Europe. While those moves could pull forward demand for the current iPhone 17 cycle, they risk creating greater pressure on sales of the subsequent iPhone 18 generation.
The downgrade comes as analysts continue to debate Apple’s long-term smartphone growth trajectory, particularly its capacity to drive premium pricing and volume expansion in a competitive market. Sell-equivalent ratings remain relatively scarce among the broader analyst community, but the latest cut underscores mounting scrutiny of Apple’s hardware roadmap.
MacDailyNews Take: iCal’ed for future use.
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According to an exclusive report from Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva, Apple TV is developing “Bad News Dads,” a half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by James Marsden. The project comes from “You’re the Worst” creator Stephen Falk, alongside Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, where Greg Berlanti holds an overall deal.
Based on the upcoming novel by Adam Frost, the series follows an inept men’s recreational baseball league. When one player’s wife dies in a suspicious accident, friendship-starved Ben (played by Marsden) rallies two teammates for an often-misguided investigation into what they increasingly believe was murder. While the title and baseball setting nod to “The Bad News Bears,” the story is an original concept with no direct connection to the classic sports film.
Falk, Marsden, and Frost executive produce with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, and Robbie Rogers for Berlanti Productions. Frost’s novel is scheduled for publication on April 6, 2027, by Simon & Schuster/Atria/Emily Bestler Books.
The project continues Apple TV’s interest in mystery-comedy fare, a genre boosted by series like “The Afterparty” and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” It also extends Marsden’s recent work with the streamer: he recently appeared in “Your Friends & Neighbors” and stars in and executive produces the upcoming action thriller “Disavowed.” Marsden, known for alternating between drama and comedy (with Emmy nominations for both “Paradise” and “Jury Duty”), next reprises Cyclops in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Falk, whose other credits include Apple TV’s “Hello Tomorrow!,” Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” and Showtime’s “Weeds,” also has a “Hit Man” series inspired by the Glen Powell film in development at Netflix. Berlanti Productions has multiple projects advancing elsewhere, including series at Amazon MGM Studios and Disney+.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Apple is actively testing iOS 26.6.1, a point release that appears poised for release in the coming days, according to visitor logs tracked by sites including 9to5Mac and MacRumors.
The update comes less than two weeks after the public rollout of iOS 26.6 on July 27, 2026. That earlier release focused primarily on bug fixes, security patches, and optimizing the Spotlight index to prepare devices for the smoother transition to iOS 27 later this year.
What’s likely to be included in iOS 26.6.1
Specific release notes are not yet public, as the software remains in internal testing. However, these minor “.1” or “.x.1” updates typically prioritize stability and security rather than new user-facing features.
Likely contents include:
• Security patches: Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 (along with updates for Sequoia and Sonoma) this week to address a significant vulnerability in the Screen Sharing app. A parallel iOS update could include related or additional security fixes.
• Bug fixes: Reports have already surfaced of issues introduced or lingering after iOS 26.6, such as problems with Shortcuts automations. Other refinements to performance, battery behavior, or app stability are common in these rapid follow-ups.
• Continued preparation for iOS 27: While the heavy Spotlight indexing work happened in 26.6, further under-the-hood polish is possible as Apple works toward the fall release of its next major OS.
Apple has publicly stated it is accelerating the pace of iPhone software updates in response to the growing speed of AI-assisted hacking tools. This faster cadence means users should expect more frequent, targeted patches like 26.6.1 rather than waiting weeks or months between releases.
What This Means for iPhone Users
Compatible devices (generally iPhone 11 and later that support iOS 26) will receive the update over-the-air via Settings > General > Software Update once it ships. Installation is recommended for the latest security protections, especially given Apple’s emphasis on rapid response to emerging threats.
No major new features — such as design changes to Liquid Glass, expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, or significant app updates — are expected. Those are reserved for the iOS 27 cycle, which remains in beta and is anticipated for public release in September 2026.
Not every internal build reaches the public, but the appearance of iOS 26.6.1 in analytics logs so soon after 26.6, combined with parallel macOS security releases, strongly suggests a public rollout is imminent. Users who have not yet installed iOS 26.6 should do so first to stay current.
MacDailyNews Take: Stay tuned for the formal release announcement and detailed notes. In the meantime, keep your iPhone backed up and check for the update regularly in the coming days.
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Apple dominated the premium smartphone segment in the first half of 2026, holding a commanding 65% market share, according to Counterpoint Research. The Cupertino company outpaced the broader industry as devices priced at $600 and above (wholesale average selling price) accounted for a record 29% of overall global smartphone sales.
Premium smartphone unit sales grew 5% year-over-year in H1 2026, outperforming the overall market. This marked a rise from 25% share in H1 2025 and 20% in H1 2022. Counterpoint attributed much of the latest jump to rising memory and component costs, which hit low- and mid-tier devices harder. As prices for mid-range Android phones climbed, the gap with premium models—including older or discounted flagships—narrowed, making higher-end upgrades more attractive. Manufacturers also expanded financing, trade-in, and buyback programs to improve affordability.
Apple’s premium segment shipments rose 9% year-over-year, fueled by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, particularly the base model. This reversed a prior-year slowdown linked to intensified competition in China, the world’s largest premium smartphone market. Apple’s share edged up from 63% in H1 2025 but remains below the 74% peak recorded in H1 2022.
Global Smartphone Premium Segment Brand Unit Sales Share H1 2022 to H1 2026 Source: Counterpoint Research Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, Jun 2026 (Prelim). Premium Segment includes smartphones with a wholesale price of $600 and above.
Samsung held steady at 19% of the premium market (up from 17% in 2022) and posted 3% year-over-year growth despite a later-than-usual launch of the Galaxy S26 series. Together, Apple and Samsung controlled 84% of global premium smartphone sales, up from 82% a year earlier.
Among other players, OPPO recorded the fastest growth at 69% year-over-year, driven by its Find X9 series, while Vivo grew 20%. The remaining 16% of the premium segment was shared among Chinese brands including Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo.
“Rising memory and component costs are reshaping smartphone pricing and creating opportunities for OEMs to accelerate premiumization,” said Counterpoint Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi in a statement. “As mid-segment Android smartphone prices rise, the price gap with premium devices, especially older or discounted flagship models, is narrowing. This trend makes flagship smartphones a better upgrade option for consumers. To support this shift, OEMs are expanding financing, trade-in and buyback programs to improve affordability.”
MacDailyNews Take: The data underscores a continued shift toward higher-priced devices even as the broader smartphone market faces volume pressures. Premiumization is expected to persist, supported by better component access for leading brands, steady demand among higher-income consumers, and expanded financing options. In other words; More great news for Apple!
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Apple is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of its high-end laptop lineup, potentially under the new “MacBook Ultra” name. This would sit above the existing MacBook Pro as a premium tier, introducing the first OLED display and touchscreen on a Mac, along with a redesigned chassis and Dynamic Island-style camera cutout. All details remain unconfirmed rumors based primarily on reporting from Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman, supply-chain analysts, and firms like Omdia, as of early August 2026.
Release Timing
The MacBook Ultra (internal codes K114 for 14-inch and K116 for 16-inch) is on track for a launch window between late 2026 and early 2027. Apple is testing the machines with macOS 27.1, which is scheduled for consumer release at the end of October 2026—aligning with Apple’s typical late-October Mac launches.
Samsung Display is expected to supply the OLED panels, with production ramping in mid-to-late 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has pointed to mass production beginning late in the year. However, ongoing global memory chip shortages have caused shipping delays on other Apple products and could push the Ultra into early 2027. A concurrent base MacBook Pro with an M6 chip (existing design) is also rumored for fall 2026.
Design Overhaul
This would mark the first major industrial design change for Apple’s high-end laptops since the 2021 MacBook Pro. Reports describe a total redesign that is thinner and lighter than the current models, aided by the switch away from mini-LED backlighting. Screen sizes are expected to stay in the familiar 14- and 16-inch range, with some sources citing slightly larger 14.3-inch and 16.3-inch panels thanks to thinner bezels.
The controversial notch is expected to be replaced by a smaller pill-shaped or hole-punch camera cutout supporting a Dynamic Island experience (similar to the iPhone), which could display notifications, media controls, battery status, and other contextual info. A reinforced hinge is rumored to minimize screen wobble during touch use. Classic ports (MagSafe, HDMI, SD card slot, Thunderbolt) are expected to remain. The new design may later appear on lower-tier MacBook Pro models.
Display and Touch
The standout upgrades are the first OLED panel on a Mac and the first touchscreen. It is expected to use hybrid tandem OLED technology (oxide TFT + RGB tandem, similar to the iPad Pro), delivering deeper blacks, higher contrast, richer colors, better power efficiency, and improved viewing angles compared with current mini-LED LCDs.
Touch support is positioned as a secondary input method alongside the keyboard and trackpad, not a replacement. macOS is reportedly receiving touch-friendly optimizations (larger targets, adaptive menus) that will also benefit non-touch devices. This reverses long-standing Apple resistance to vertical touchscreens on Macs.
Performance and Other Specs
Contrary to earlier expectations of next-generation silicon, the first MacBook Ultra models are expected to use the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips already found in the current MacBook Pro lineup. Apple is reportedly skipping high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max variants to accelerate development of the M7 series (with stronger AI focus); M7 Pro/Max Ultra models are eyed for late 2027 or early 2028.
Built-in cellular connectivity via a next-generation C2 modem has been rumored as a possible option. Battery life could benefit from the more efficient OLED panels and thinner design, though specific figures are unavailable.
Pricing and Positioning
As a new top-tier product with OLED, touch, and a fresh design, the MacBook Ultra is expected to command a premium — potentially 20% or more above current high-end MacBook Pros. Starting prices could begin around or above $2,499 for a 14-inch configuration (higher for 16-inch), making it Apple’s most expensive MacBook to date amid rising memory costs. It is expected to coexist with or sit above the regular MacBook Pro line rather than fully replace it.
MacDailyNews Take: A second-generation MacBook Ultra with M7 Pro and M7 Max chips is already in early testing for a later 2027 timeframe. The “Ultra” branding fits Apple’s expansion of the name across products (alongside Watch Ultra and potential others). These reports could still shift due to supply issues, internal priorities, or testing outcomes. Apple has not officially confirmed any of these details. Expect clearer signals closer to a potential fall event or through further supply-chain updates.
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Apple is intensifying efforts to convert India’s growing appetite for premium smartphones into higher sales by opening more retail stores and offering expanded financing deals, while simultaneously scaling up local manufacturing.
The company has built a network of Apple Stores across key cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida, giving customers direct access to products and services in a market long dominated by multi-brand retailers and online platforms. These physical locations allow Apple to showcase the latest iPhone models and provide hands-on experiences that help drive upgrades and first-time purchases.
To address India’s price-sensitive consumers, Apple has broadened financing partnerships. Shoppers can access no-cost EMI options for several months through major banks, instant cashback offers of up to ₹15,000 on select cards, and trade-in programs that reduce the effective cost of new devices, Bloomberg News reports. These tools lower the barrier to entry for devices that often carry higher list prices in India than in the US due to taxes and other factors.
The push comes as Apple’s India business reaches new milestones. Annual sales surpassed $10 billion for the first time in the fiscal year ended March 2026, up from about $9 billion the prior year, with iPhones accounting for the majority of revenue. Market share has expanded significantly: iPhones now represent around 10% of smartphone shipments in some recent periods, a sharp rise from roughly 1.5% a decade earlier—and the company continues to post double-digit growth even amid broader industry softness.
Manufacturing growth underpins both supply reliability and the “Made in India” appeal. Apple now assembles about a quarter of its global iPhones in the country, producing roughly 55 million units in 2025. For the first time, the full iPhone 17 lineup (including base, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max variants, plus related models) was manufactured locally from launch. Contract manufacturers such as Foxconn and Tata Electronics operate large facilities near Chennai and Bengaluru, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and a deepening local supplier base of more than 40 companies making components ranging from batteries to enclosures.
This dual focus on demand-side accessibility and supply-side localization positions India as both a major growth market and a strategic hedge against reliance on China. CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly highlighted the country’s potential, noting strong uptake among first-time Apple customers across iPhones, Macs, and iPads. Analysts point to premiumization trends, improved inventory management, and these retail and financing initiatives as key drivers of the shift from niche status to mainstream relevance.
MacDailyNews Take: While challenges remain (including competition in the mid-premium segment, currency fluctuations, and the need for continued policy support after the original production-linked incentive scheme ended) Apple’s investments signal confidence that Indian consumer desire for iPhones will sustain long-term expansion.
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3D render claiming to depict Apple’s first foldable iPhone (image: Jon Prosser)
Apple and its suppliers are scrambling to secure enough DRAM (mobile memory chips) ahead of the expected September 2026 launches of the iPhone 18 series and the foldable iPhone Ultra, according to semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan’s exclusive reporting for Culpium.
With under six weeks to the anticipated debut, assemblers are rushing shipments of DRAM. Apple primarily sources from Micron, with additional supply from SK Hynix and Samsung. Severe shortages due to RAMageddon have left processor wafers sitting idle, awaiting packaging—creating pressure to avoid launch shortages.
The issue stems from Apple’s A20 Pro chips (built on TSMC’s 2nm process), which use Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging that integrates the processor and DRAM at the wafer level. This means DRAM must be available for packaging; unfinished dies cannot simply be stockpiled and completed later. Reports indicate TSMC is holding roughly $1 billion worth of unpackaged Apple processors delayed by the missing memory.
DRAM has been tight for months, driven in large part by memory makers prioritizing higher-margin chips for AI data centers over consumer devices. This has already affected other Apple products (such as certain Macs) with longer wait times. Apple and its partners (including assemblers like Foxconn) expect to meet initial launch demand, but retail stock could deplete quickly and online preorder wait times may stretch afterward. The foldable iPhone Ultra, with its more complex design and lower planned volumes (historically projected in the low millions for the second half of the year in related analyst notes), is viewed as particularly vulnerable to limited availability.
Culpan’s sources indicate Apple plans roughly 200 million combined units across the iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and Ultra over the product cycle, with the Ultra representing under 10%.
This memory constraint adds to broader industry dynamics of rising memory costs and competing demand from AI infrastructure, which have already influenced pricing discussions and production priorities for Apple hardware.
MacDailyNews Take: Buyers interested in the new Pro models or the Ultra at launch would be advised to pre-order very, very promptly!
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Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1, a rapid security update that addresses a serious vulnerability in the built-in Screen Sharing feature. The update, which arrived on Thursday without any new features, is strongly recommended for all Mac users running the latest version of the operating system.
Screen Sharing allows users to view and control another Mac remotely over a local network or the internet. It is widely used for remote support, file access, troubleshooting, and managing multiple Macs in homes, schools, or businesses. Once connected, a remote user can see the desktop, open apps, transfer files, and control the keyboard and mouse as if sitting at the machine.
The vulnerability could allow an attacker on the same network to authenticate to Screen Sharing without valid credentials. Apple fixed the issue through improved state management. The company has not indicated whether the flaw was being actively exploited in the wild.The same Screen Sharing bug affects earlier macOS versions, so Apple also issued companion security updates: macOS Sequoia 15.7.9 and macOS Sonoma 14.8.9.
Mac users can install the update by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. No corresponding updates for iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS were released alongside this Mac-only security patch.
MacDailyNews Take: Given the potential for unauthorized remote access, installing macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 (or the relevant update for older systems) promptly is advised.
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T-Mobile officially retired its 2G GSM network on August 3, 2026, marking the end of 2G service from all three major U.S. carriers. With AT&T having discontinued 2G in 2017 and Verizon following in 2020, devices that rely solely on the older standard—including the original 2007 iPhone — can no longer connect to any cellular network in the United States. The move also affects remaining smartphones, alarm systems, payment terminals, and other IoT devices still using 2G, though T-Mobile had given customers advance notice to upgrade or transition.
T-Mobile kept its 2G network active because it still had some legacy customers who were using it. Some customers visiting the United States and using international roaming carrier agreements for connectivity also needed 2G for voice calling, but T-Mobile worked with carriers globally to prepare for the end of its 2G network.
Customers who were still on T-Mobile’s 2G network were warned well ahead of time about the shutdown and given time to transition. Smartphones, alarm panels, payment terminals, and other IoT accessories that used 2G will no longer function.
AT&T ended support for 2G almost a decade ago in 2017, and Verizon stopped supporting 2G in 2020. Now that no carriers in the U.S. support 2G, legacy devices like the original iPhone will not be able to connect to any cellular network.
MacDailyNews Take: Time marches on!
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Apple’s iCloud Private Relay is designed to hide users’ IP addresses from websites and even from Apple itself while browsing in Safari. But according to security researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk, the feature does not always work as intended because of issues in Apple’s WebKit browser engine.
The problem centers on passkeys, the password-free authentication method that is becoming more widely used. When a user authenticates with a passkey, the request is handled outside the browser itself. Private Relay only protects traffic within Safari (as an iCloud+ feature) and does not function like a full-device VPN. As a result, the authentication request can expose the user’s real IP address to the website or service.
Because the vulnerability sits in WebKit, the engine that powers every browser on iOS, the IP leak is not limited to Safari. Privacy-focused browsers such as OnionBrowser and the researchers’ own Psylo browser can also reveal a user’s IP when passkeys are used.
Re: Responsible Disclosure
We found ourselves in a bit of a dilemma with these DNS and IP leaks in WebKit and how to handle them responsibly.
We first became aware of a DNS leak in Psylo in late June 2026 after a user reported it. During our investigation, we found two… https://t.co/5kFu0jtUsJ
The researchers have already notified OnionBrowser and the Tor Project of their findings and suggested fixes. Apple has told 404 Media that it is investigating the report. However, Bakry and Mysk noted that Apple’s response times for similar privacy issues can be lengthy; a previously reported problem with the Hide My Email feature that allowed real email addresses to leak behind aliases was not fully fixed for about a year after it was disclosed.
MacDailyNews Take: Until a fix arrives, users who rely on Private Relay for anonymity should be aware that logging in with passkeys on iOS may still reveal their IP address.
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Apple’s next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri are truly helpful AI that’s centered around you and your needs. Integrated into your apps, grounded in your context, and private at every step; coming later this year.
Apple’s long-awaited overhaul of its voice assistant, now branded Siri AI, is set to arrive this fall alongside iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS updates, and related system software. The upgraded assistant promises deeper personal context awareness, on-screen understanding, more natural conversations, and the ability to take actions across apps. But there’s a clear hardware cutoff: only devices that already support Apple Intelligence will receive the full experience at launch.
iPhone Models That Make the Cut
Siri AI requires an A17 Pro chip or newer (with sufficient RAM for on-device processing). Supported iPhones include:
• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 17 and 17e
• iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Older models, including the standard iPhone 15 and anything earlier, will get the broader iOS 27 update (interface changes, security fixes, and non-AI features), but miss out on the new Siri capabilities.
A subset of these devices — primarily the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air — will also unlock Apple’s most powerful on-device AI model. That unlocks extras such as more expressive customizable voices, improved speech recognition, and higher-accuracy dictation.
iPads, Macs, Watches, and Vision Pro
Compatibility extends across the rest of the ecosystem with similar requirements:iPad: iPad Pro (M1 chip and later), iPad Air (M1 and later), and iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip.
• Mac: All models with Apple silicon (M1 and later), including the MacBook Neo with its A18 Pro chip.
• Apple Watch (must be paired with a nearby supported iPhone): Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE (3rd generation).
• Apple Vision Pro: All models.
The highest-tier on-device model is further restricted on tablets and computers to those with newer chips (M4 or later on iPad, M3 or later on Mac) plus at least 12 GB of unified memory.
Timeline and Limitations
Developer betas began around the June 2026 WWDC announcements, with a public beta expected in the following months and a stable consumer release targeted for fall 2026 (September timeframe). Siri AI will initially roll out in English (with Spanish support also noted in some documentation), and regional restrictions apply: it will not launch at the outset on iOS or iPadOS in the European Union due to regulatory considerations around the Digital Markets Act, though macOS and visionOS users in the EU will be able to access it. Availability in China is also delayed pending regulatory clearance.
Those without supported hardware will keep the classic Siri experience for now while still receiving the rest of the 2026 software updates. Apple continues to emphasize on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute for privacy, so the hardware bar reflects the computational demands of the more capable models.
MacDailyNews Note: More info about Apple Intelligence and Siri here.
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